Image Courtesy a Indian Super League Media Team.
Kerala Blasters FC
V
Delhi Dynamos FC
1900 IST, 18 October, 2015
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi
*****
The 15th match of Indian Super League (ISL) 2015 between the Kerala Blasters FC and Delhi Dynamos FC will take place on 18 October 2015 at Kochi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The Delhi Dynamos and the Kerala Blasters are currently separated by just two points in the table, lying in fifth and sixth positions, respectively.
The Kerala Blasters have had a lukewarm start to their ISL campaign, after registering a win, a draw and a loss in their first three matches. They will be looking to bounce back from the 2-1 loss they suffered at the hands of defending champions Atletico de Kolkata, on Tuesday.
The Delhi Dynamos, on the other hand, have registered back-to-back wins against Chennaiyin FC and FC Pune City, after losing their opening match of the season, against FC Goa. A win for the Dynamos will propel them to the top of the ISL table.
Team News and Tactical Brief:
Kerala Blasters FC
Manager Peter Taylor will be welcoming back attacking midfielder Cavin Lobo and centre-back Sandesh Jhingan to the Blasters squad, after the duo returned from International duty, on Thursday, as part of the Indian national team.
Stephen Bywater will continue in goal for the Blasters. Former Spanish International Carlos Marchena will make his ISL debut for the Blasters, on Sunday, after recovering from the injury he suffered in training. He will start at centre-back, alongside Peter Ramage. Jhingan, who was adjudged to be the ISL Emerging Player of the league, last season, will occupy the full back position along with Saumik Dey.
The Blasters midfield will be boosted by the return of India International Cavin Lobo. Mehtab Hossain, who was sent off, late on against Atletico de Kolkata, is suspended and will be replaced by Ishfaq Ahmed. Josu Currais and Shankar Sampingiraj are set to be the other midfield starters for Kerala.
Sanchez Watt will start upfront alongside Chris Dagnell, who scored a consolation goal for the Blasters against Kolkata.
Probable Starting Lineup (4-4-2): . Bywater (GK); Jhingan, Ramage, Marchena, Dey; Shankar, Ishfaq, Josu Currais, Lobo; Dagnell, Sanchez.
Delhi Dynamos FC:
The Delhi Dynamos FC will be looking to reassert their title credentials when they take on last year’s losing finalists in their third away match of the season.
Manager Roberto Carlos will continue to deploy his favoured 4-3-1-2 formation. Toni Doblas, who replaced Sanjiban Ghosh in goal against FC Pune City, is expected to retain his place in the starting lineup.
Anas and Riise will continue their impressive defensive partnership at centre-back. They will be accompanied by Ralte and Souvik in the full back roles. Chicao, Mama and club captain Mulder will start in central midfield for the Dynamos with Dos Santos and Malouda operating as the wingers.
Robin Singh, who scored against Pune on his return from International duty last week, will start upfront for the Dynamos.
Probable Starting Lineup (4-3-1-2): Doblas (GK); Anas, Ralte, Riise, Souvik; Mama, Malouda, Chicao, Mulder, Dos Santos; Singh.
Predictions:
Kerala Blasters FC 1-1 Delhi Dynamos FC
The Delhi Dynamos FC will be hoping to continue their winning run by notching up their third consecutive victory against the Kerala Blasters. The Dynamos have clearly been boosted by the return of the prolific Robin Singh, who gives them that extra spark in front of goal.
The Blasters will look to get their campaign back on track by overcoming the Dynamos at home. Kochi’s Jawaharlal Nehru stadium is famous for its intimidating atmosphere and the Blasters will be hoping to utilize that to their advantage.
With both teams in desperate need for points, we can expect a lively encounter to ensue in Kochi. A scored draw is to be expected between the two teams.